By Andrew Warshaw
March 3 – The first major sporting fallout from the political unrest in Libya has seen South Africa as likely replacements for the north African country as hosts of the Orange African Youth Championship, it was reported today.
The tournament, scheduled to begin on March 18, was originally slated to take place in Libya but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has asked South Africa, which staged the World Cup last summer, to step in.
Libya was to host the biennial event for the first time, with all matches played in Tripoli and Benghazi, both embroiled in the current hostilities between government forces and opposition supporters.
South African Football Association (SAFA) president Kirsten Nematandani said his organisation had consulted with the South African Sports Confederation and the country’s National Olympic Committee before agreeing because of such little preparation time.
“We are satisfied that we have the ability and capabilities to host such an event at short notice,” said Nematandani.
“In any case, the 2010 World Cup has left a massive legacy in terms of infrastructure and it was a question of agreeing to host or not.”
Interestingly, South Africa have been chosen despite having no team at the event but Nematandani added: “We discussed the issue of the cost factor involved and also sought assurance from CAF that we did not have to go into bidding with anyone to host the event.
“We have been assured that will not be the case, hence we went ahead to make arrangements.”
Eight teams will compete in the under-20 event, with four qualifying for the World Youth Cup in Colombia later this year.
It is unclear whether Libya, housed in Group A alongside Mali, Egypt and Lesotho, will still take part. Group B comprises defending champions Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Gambia.
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